Meet your...dreams

just a kiss??

photo by: Isella Bellotti

concept from: meetyourneighbours.net

site: Montegrino lake

EQUILIBRIA@Varese

"What is the fate of polar bears? A "rebalancing" a bit in contrast...In the documentary "Equilibria", wonderful pictures of bears on the pack ice in thaw" - Annalisa Losacco

EQUILIBRIA, the new documentary film by Eugenio Manghi.

Nature always finds unexpected and wonderful ways to express themselves and to find solutions to vital problems. One of these ways is the adaptation of living beings to their world and its incessant changes.

June 23, 21.30: opening evening of outdoor cinema festival "Esterno Notte", curated by Giulio Rossini from Filmstudio90. A large indoor theater, in the wonderful picture of the Town Hall of Varese and the eighteenth century the Estensi park - Via Sacco, 5.

info&photo by: whitefoxcommunications

EQUILIBRIA: teaser

Good Morning INSUBRIA prompt: Estense Palace

Go into the PALACE. Varese.

In ancient times the appearance of Varese included the village, with the civil and religious center, and six "Castellanze" connected to it. The village was divided into seven "castellanze": Giubiano, Bosto, Casbeno, Biumo Inferiore and Superiore, Cartabbia and Bizzozero. The "Castellanze"were extra-urban centers, almost all built on hills, as possessed autonomous churches, mills, old farmhouses and inns, however, they were not independent from the village and from the point of civil and religious views and formed with it one body and indivisible: that is, "Varese and its Castellanze".

Once these groups of houses were separated from the center but over the years, they have been incorporated to the urban fabric of city.

Varese became capital of the province in the 1927, the municipal area was enlarged and came also included the "castellanze". The city center underwent a radical metamorphosis: Piazza Porcari and part of the late-medieval center were "gutted" to make way for modern Piazza Monte Grappa, where we find palaces Littorio style as the Palace of the Chamber of Commerce and other private buildings. The square is located a few meters from Porta Campagna and the Palazzo Estense, seat of the Town Hall.

From Palazzo Estense this itinerary for Old Town. It is a short "trip" within the city center, with the visit of main monuments and gardens. The Estense Palace was built between 1766 and 1771 by Giuseppe Bianchi, as an extension the existing Orrigoni Palace and was the residence of Francesco III of Este in the period of his Signoria.

Thanks to Estense Palace and numerous villas all with splendid eighteenth-century Italian gardens, Varese was called the little Versailles of Milan. Among the Varesini parks, the garden of Palazzo Estense is of great beauty: the garden in Italian style, with French-inspired elements, it is characterized by a large "parterre", a great "Bath" and paths bordered by hornbeams rise to the top of the hill, from where you it enjoys a splendid view. 

The garden was built in conjunction with the building under the direction of Giuseppe Bianchi and the Duke of Este, but ended a few years later. For meet the needs of the Duke, a part of the Park was set up in "roccolo" for bird, while another area was dedicated to vegetable gardens. Building, and the park is accessed through the main door of honor.

The most interesting facade the building is the one facing towards the garden: it forms measured, typical of the style "Barocchetto Lombardo", with cornices in white contrasting with pink plaster. 

The pediment is placed a sundial surmounted by the Este eagle.

The exterior facade, however, is simple and straightforward, with neo-classical influences. Worthy of note are the three portals of entry, placed at equal distance one from the other. The Hall of Honor (or Salone Estense), is rich of valuable elements, the frescoes illusionistic are of Borsellini; the big central medallion was painted by Giovan Battista Ronchelli of Cabiaglio. 

Here the Duke Francesco III of Este was usually organize lavish receptions. Today it houses the municipal council.

original info by: varesecittagiardino.it

photo by: varesemia.com

Come fly with me

photo by Isella Bellotti

Freedon is not only a choice.

The peach of Monate Lake - Varese

The cultivation of peaches in the Lombard foothills and in particular in the Varese lake area has very ancient origins. We have news of this presence already in the Renaissance and later appeared, very much appreciated, on the Este boards. Thanks to the favorable microclimate, these delicious fruits of the earth were grown widely until about 1950, when the cultivation has begun to decline, thanks to the demographic development and urbanization that has taken away land to crops. Currently the cultivation is still active especially in the area surrounding Lake Monate, where are concentrated 35% of the land under the peach orchard detected throughout the province of Varese. So, while not the Monate peaches completely disappeared, their production has decreased significantly, but has always been there.

The use of preserving Monate peaches, so you have available in the winter months a typical summer product, unlike today when you can find almost all the year, dates back to the 20s of last century. According to legend, the cook then in service at Villa Motta in Travedona-Monate, had the idea to keep them in syrup, so that you can offer as a dessert, even out of season, to Modrone Visconti, thus beginning the tradition of craftsmanship that continues to this day. A brilliant idea that has probably saved from extinction the peach orchards of Lake Monate as is unfortunately the case for many other orchards in the foothills areas.

Even today the preparation of peach of Monate method has not changed since then, and is done in a completely manual way, without adding any colorings or preservatives. The gathering takes place in the early morning before the sun has time to warm them time, expertly choose the connectors fruits at the right point of maturation. You are then thoroughly washed, after which it proceeds to manually cut into two parts and denocciolarle. After being peeled by hand one by one the peach halves are put into tins, coated with a syrup made from sugar and water and hermetically sealed. then takes the sterilization of the cans in boiling water, for a time varying from 12 to 15/18 minutes depending on the degree of ripening of the fruit. All the work is done during the day within a few hours only in this way peaches retain a firm texture and compact their typical crispness and a unique taste.

The sterilization process and sciroppatura help to preserve the Monate peaches at room temperature for several months, thus giving the opportunity to enjoy on any occasion these tasty fruits of our land. Production takes place in the months of June, July and August, following the natural rhythms of fruit ripening, which change depending on the different varieties. All cultivated varieties, both white pulp that yellow, have in common with each other of pulp firmness that makes them particularly suited to canning and preserving.

italian recipes: http://lepeschedimonate.com

originally published by: www.labissa.com

photo by: https://lacucinadimafalda.wordpress.com

Annone Lake (Lecco). Here we go.

Lake Annone is located in the northern part of Brianza, at the mouth of Magrera Valley, west of the city of Lecco. It's the easternmost and the largest of the five lakes in Brianza. It is part of the municipalities of Annone of Brianza, Suello, Civate, Galbiate and Oggiono.

It's the twentieth Italian lake with about 5.71 km2. It's located at an altitude of 224 m. above sea level. It has a perimeter of 15.4 kilometers.

Lake of Annone is divided into two basins by the close of Isella peninsula that penetrates the lake for almost a kilometer. In this point the lake is about two meters deep. The west basin has an average depth of 4 meters and a maximum of 10.1. The eastern basin has an average depth of 6.3 m and a maximum depth of 11.3m.

In the waters of the lake are reflected two important pre-alpine heights: the Cornizzolo (1240 m. above sea level) to the north and Mount Barro (922 m. above sea level) to the northeast, while in the south, the basin is surrounded by the rolling hills East Brianza that degrade in the Milanese plain.

The origin of the Brianza lakes dates back to the Quaternary period, or about 70,000 years ago, when imposing glacial formations retreated leaving depressions that over time filled with water to form the existing ponds of water. The moraine hills surrounding these lakes are formed from materials and debris that were first transported by ice, and then, with their withdrawal, abandoned in large quantities. We can say that these types of moraine-dammed lake tend to fade with time due to erosion of the basin threshold (the lowest point of the edge of the basin) from the effluent or to fill. 

This second case is caused silting of the lake to enter alluvial materials that reduce the size up to turn it into the pond, then into the swamp and finally bog and grassland. It's powered by some underground aquifers and some streams. The tributaries of the basin east are Cologna, the Bondi, the Rossa, the Laghetto, the Bombolo, the Bosisolo, the Sabina and the influx of the west basin. The tributaries of the western basin are the Pescone, the Calchirola, the Pramaggiore and Borima.

The only outlet is the Rio Torto, which flows into Adda river and therefore belongs to the catchment area of the Po river. The influx of water in the Rio Torto is regulated by a bulkhead which is operated in the event of heavy rains or a period dry.

The flora and vegetation of Annone lake are those characteristics of the lacustrine and marsh areas of the moraine foothills. A botanical study reported here for the first time seven species considered absent from the Lombardy region and about 70 rare species. The particular humid microclimate of the areas immediately next to the lake also allows the presence of some plants that are normally characteristic of higher altitudes.

But only in some parts of the shores it can be seen integrates the typical succession of natural vegetation characteristic of these surroundings, where they are not affected by repeated and often senseless human intervention. More externally meet in blue mist wet meadows, shrub groupings of black alder and a reed band (bog with typical herbaceous plants) in sedge high.

In the western part of the basin there are still some peaty meadows with cinnamon peatlands (perennial herb); in other parts of the shores of recent mud, instead there are flaps pioneer vegetation to sedge black and gold tiger nuts. In these wet environments it has also been reported the presence of carnivorous plant Utricularia vulgaris, but the vegetation zone most characteristic of wetlands is the reeds in marsh reed and cattail, which is expressed with greater power in the Isella area (Annone lake eastern basin) and Pescone (west) basin. Among the submerged aquatic plants and floating leaf that settle in the shallower water you can remember the millefeuille of water, white water lily, the nannufaro yellow.

Around the waters and in the reeds they are home to many species of animals. In particular in the reeds at lake it was reported a wide variety of insects, including rare species. Among the amphibians we can mention the Italian frog of Lataste, endemic to the Po river-Venetian plain; among reptiles worth mentioning the Natrix, a water snake. Particularly there are many species of water-marsh birds, such as the Great Crested Grebe, the little grebe, the Mallard, the Moorhen, the Water Rail, the Marsh, the Warbler, the Cetti's Warbler, the Reed Bunting, the Kingfisher, Little Bittern, the Night Heron and the beautiful Purple Heron.

But the "simple" description fails to give the idea of the views and colors. We have to approach it and live it more to enjoy its beauty and to relive its beautiful nature.

originally publisched by: comune Annone di Brianza - Lecco.

photo: commons.wikimedia

The romanic bridge "Ponte dei salti"

Not be surprised if you wonder: in Ticino you will find fairy-tale scenarios for a dip in the crystal clear waters. Rivers, lakes and mountain lakes will surprise with their rich flora and fauna, leaving you speechless!

Cross the river Verzasca in Lavertezzo the stone bridge with two arches of medieval origin known as "Roman bridge" or "jumps". After the partial destruction of 1868, it was rebuilt in 1960. Near the bridge, a chapel of the eighteenth century.

The Verzasca Valley, a popular destination for lovers of diving, offers a stunning natural setting. Besides the possibility to practice diving, you will find majestic natural springboards and crystalline wells. The best known river basins are located in Lavertezzo and Brione Verzasca. The most famous for underwater activities are the Misura river basin, the Posse river basin and the Salti. The river, with its emerald waters and crystal clear, however, can hide hazards. Therefore, pay attention to the warning notices posted locally.

Info: tenero-tourism.ch - Ponte dei Salti Map

from: lakesandalps.com - Photo by: de.tschuggenhotelgroup.ch

Exploring Natural Italy from Milan

Milan, the capital of both Lombardy and the world of international fashion, is this year the center of the foodie universe as well. The Milan Expo 2015, with its theme of Feeding the Planet, is hosting the exhibitions of the foods of more than 140 countries through Oct. 31 when the show ends. The Milan Expo 2015 is also an opportunity to explore the agri-food and gastronomic traditions of each exhibitor country. It’s also a chance to explore Italy’s second largest city and the region around it. And the autumn in Northern Italy is arguably its most beautiful time of year.

- You can also see: EXPO by Valbossa NOVA -

There are many hotels trying to attract Expo attendees. Milan’s Palazzo Parigi, for instance, has a two-night Expo package, from €1,245 ($1,375), which includes a Classic Room for two, “A Taste of Italy” welcome amenity with local delicacies, a daily breakfast buffet and a three-hour EXPO visit with a private guide.

Regional attractions outside of Milan, near and far, are easily accessed thanks to express and high speed rail services from the city’s Central Station. Recently, Berlin-based GoEuro listed a set of day trips from Milan for less than €10. One such recommendation is Bergamo. This medieval hilltop town, about an hour by train from Milan, has a fine old piazza as well as the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo della Ragione.

Further afield is Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Carved by Ice Age glaciers which left the lake surrounded by vertical limestone walls, you can get to Lake Garda from Milan in about 90 minutes by train. From Garda you can access the surrounding Dolomites, a part of the Alps quite different from the rest. The Dolomites, with their towering limestone peaks, are of a completely different geologic provenance than the more familiar granite Alps of Switzerland. The limestone karst formations inside the Dolomites present a more perpendicular verticality and a more dramatic aspect.

One company combines the lake and the mountains. Dolomite Mountains is the name of a travel company as well as the actual mountains. The company is offering the five-day/four-night Lake Garda Multisport Adventure. Dolomite Mountains, the company, runs a guest lodge in the lake-side resort town of Riva del Garda. From there visitors can tackle a via ferrata ascent high above the lake; experience the adrenaline rush of canyoneering through narrow passageways and caves, sliding through rocks carved by water over eons; and mountain bike to a glacial lake. Swimming and water sports are also included.

Via ferrata means “iron road,” a designated climbing route equipped with a steel cable to which even inexperienced climbers can secure themselves, eliminating some mountaineering risks on exceptionally challenging alpine terrain. This kind of climbing was introduced to the region in WWI. The Dolomites were one of the toughest fronts in the Great War where fighting between Austrians and Italians raged on cliff faces and across peaks and valleys.

Priced at €1,090 ($1,204) per person double, the package includes bed and breakfast accommodation for four nights, dinners in the hotel, the services for three days of an English-speaking mountain guide, equipment and gear pertaining to activities and more. There are about 8,000 miles of well-marked trails in the Dolomites that lead through apple orchards, along irrigation channels, mountain paths and chestnut groves and across high meadows. When autumn comes to the Dolomites, hikers take to trails that range from easy, family-friendly hikes to extremely challenging. The Dolomites work as well for families as adventurous hikers and climbers.

Movimënt is a car-free park at almost 7,000 feet above sea level where forest, meadows and ponds are divided into five themed areas, accessible only by lifts or woodland paths from Corvara, La Villa, and San Cassiano. The areas themselves are connected by trails for e-bikes or special mountain strollers. The park has programs accompanied by mountain guides, sports instructors, and operators.

One hotel in the Dolomites, the Adler Dolomiti in Ortisei, the capital of Val Gardena, leads two complimentary guided walks per day including four-and-a-half hour walk across Europe’s highest pastures. The Adler Dolomiti is situated in a private park and offers its guests plenty of mountain activities as well as the largest wellness facility in the Dolomites.

The hotel’s Autumn Sunshine Walking Special is valid from Sept. 20 to Dec. 3 and includes two daily guided hikes (one easy going and a more energetic lengthy hike). Priced from €418 ($462) for a three-day weekend break, the program includes a walkers’ gift, backpacks, telescopic poles, maps, a hearty snack on return, one wine tasting and more. 

Written by: James Ruggia from travelpulse.com
Photo by: 7-themes.com